(Report) Clément definitively accepted a bike life. Much more than a hobby made him a versatile means of transport in every terrain and for all uses. What permanently store a scooter and a car in the garage? In this testimony to Numeram, he tells us about his journey and the development of our daily lives.
Three years ago I rode a scooter. Today I have eight laps in the garage. In the Eko-Bobo family, which feeds on seeds, I admit guilt.
In 2024 I am immersed in cycling: I am responsible for the development of Roulez Jeunesse, a startup that makes it easier to repair bikes at home. But three years ago I was far from the idea that the wheels in my life would take such a place. Like many Parisians, I thought the scooter was a solution for traveling around the capital. Traffic jams? Bypass. Time of the journey? Optimized. Parking points? Found.
But at what price? To this day, I remember this disorder of the bypass, stuck between two rows of trucks that passed me. Or fortunately, this return from the fair ended in a slight accident. Not to mention the easy overcoming of restrictions, a constant sense of vulnerability. It was practical, yes, but dangerous, lonely, noisy and polluting.
“Cycling is not just Sunday entertainment or something for a rushing courier. »
Clement Tardy
At that time I found out that we could do things differently. That cycling was not just a Sunday pastime or something for a hurried courier. That it could be everyday, family, calming traffic solutions. Life change that started buying the first electric bike.
From scooters to 8 pedelecs there is only one pedal stroke
First purchase: Moustache Lundi 27, electrically assisted bike, which I partially financed by selling scooters. Three years and 5382 kilometers later, I am chasing me everywhere. Even on the train between La Rochelle (where I live now) and Paris. Real small two -round SUVs with corresponding weight.
But a real change came up with the arrival of our second child. We decided to continue the riding for Longtail Bike from Decathlon. An extended rear carriage, capable of taking two children and a lot of junk. Our youngest was installed at the rear in 4 months thanks to a special system for fixing Maxi-cosi. At first a little scary, I admit, but so practical.
In two and a half years, this longtail drove 4300 kilometers. School, kindergarten, shopping… and something else… Creative transport. I have a complete photo album of unlikely things we were able to transport: Christmas tree (then return to the collection point), olive tree, ladder, paddle, 48 bottles of wine, then 45 apple juice … passers -by. Last year I decorated it with lights – children at school still talk about it.
This round has changed our relationship to mobility.
For our children, cycling has become a starting point of transport. They are almost surprised to take out the car! Last summer we even set out on a 4 -day cycling holiday along Velodysée. Now our oldest always wants to take his little Peugeot behind us, while the youngest begins on the balancing round inherited from his brother. Besides, the big one has already written his letter to Jesus: “ bicycle with stand and gears “. We make progress.
Intensive use of Decathlon Longtail made us invest in more high-end model: Bike43. Better manageable, more robust, better equipped. When the question of buying a second car appeared, the choice fell quickly. Bike43 has become our main vehicle: we use it every day without exception. In a few weeks it is already 300 kilometers on the speedometer.
Meanwhile, the aperitif and knees forced me to slow down. I was tempted by the gravel bike from Decathlon – these road bikes equipped with large tires and for trails. I took the first prize because “I know you, you will do it twice and then it’s over”. 1500 kilometers later, between the coastal trails of La Rochelle, small rural roads and île de ré, I do not regret the investment.
To make the collection complete, we kept our old bikes: my old Btwin and Madame’s Giant. We keep them well for friends who come to us. We even invested in a pile of helmets, equipment in rain and children’s seats so that we can all ride together and leave the car in the garage.
In total, in three years I drove more than 11,000 kilometers. Paths that would be made on a scooter, car or public transport. A change that far exceeds simple mobility.
Of course there is an ecological dimension. It has been present from the beginning, enhanced by the arrival of children and a desire to leave them a world where you can live. Cycling, however, is not just the default solution, the restrictions that we store ourselves in the name of the environment. It is a joyful and positive answer to many things: ecological, but also economic (IS 8 wheels are still a big winner compared to the car), sports and above all a source of everyday pleasure.
This personal experience directly affects my vision of mobility and my work in the robe Jeunesse. Only when your tire bursts on your way to the office, when you break a longtail chain in the middle of your shopping, or if you fail an electric bike cable, you will understand the importance of reliable service at home. But also how regular maintenance is key to keeping your wheels in good condition.
So yes, having eight laps may seem absurd. But everyone has its use, its history, their adventures. And I still have a place in the garage …
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